Method and system for a low-loss optical y-junction power splitter

Abstract

Methods and systems for a low-loss optical Y-Junction power splitter are disclosed and may include a semiconductor die having an optical Y-junction. The optical Y-junction may comprise an input waveguide, two or more output waveguides, a taper region and a step feature. The input waveguide and the taper region may include a smooth transition between the input waveguide and the taper region, and the step feature may be between the taper region and the output waveguides. The semiconductor die may receive an optical signal in the input waveguide, and communicate substantially equal power optical signals to the output waveguides. The semiconductor die may comprise a photonically-enabled silicon CMOS integrated circuit. An optical signal may be received in each of the output waveguides and a summed output signal may be communicated to the input waveguide. The step feature may extend in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the output waveguides. Widths of the output waveguides may be different and define a splitting ratio of the Y-junction.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS / INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE[0001]This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61 / 995,302 filed on Apr. 7, 2014, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD[0002]Certain embodiments of the disclosure relate to semiconductor photonics. More specifically, certain embodiments of the disclosure relate to a method and system for a low-loss optical Y-Junction power splitter.BACKGROUND[0003]As data networks scale to meet ever-increasing bandwidth requirements, the shortcomings of copper data channels are becoming apparent. Signal attenuation and crosstalk due to radiated electromagnetic energy are the main impediments encountered by designers of such systems. They can be mitigated to some extent with equalization, coding, and shielding, but these techniques require considerable power, complexity, and cable bulk penalties while offering only modest improvements in reach and very limited s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a new system and method for a device that splits optical power. The device has a low loss, meaning it minimizes the energy loss when the optical power is transmitted through it. This makes it easier to transmit optical power with less energy loss. The technical effect of this invention is to improve the efficiency of optical power transmission.

Problems solved by technology

They can be mitigated to some extent with equalization, coding, and shielding, but these techniques require considerable power, complexity, and cable bulk penalties while offering only modest improvements in reach and very limited scalability.

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